HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for boxer MBE Ricky Hatton who has died aged 46.
Celebrity friends have penned emotional words about the boxing legend who was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester in the early hours of this morning.
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Tommy Fury shared this picture of him with boxing legend Ricky HattonCredit: Instagram
Greg Rutherford has paid tribute to his friend RickyCredit: Instagram
The former DOI star penned an emotional piece in honour of his late palCredit: Instagram
Kerry Katona has been rereading her texts with pal RickyCredit: Instagram/Kerrykatona7
Love Island star and boxer Tommy Fury wrote: “Heartbroken doesn’t even come close.
“I turned pro with you by my side Ricky and you’ll always be a massive part of my journey in boxing and in life.
“I am so shocked and gutted. Rest in peace champ.”
His fiancee Molly-Mae Hague added: “Rest in peace Ricky.”
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Celebs Go Dating star Kerry Katona shared snaps of her with the boxer on social media, writing: “Literally have no words absolutely devastated and heartbroken.
“Rest in peace my friend keep reading our last texts and the banter and just that feeling of helplessness.”
The former world boxing champion’s Dancing On Ice co-stars have also paid tribute to the prolific sportsman.
His professional skating partner Robin Johnstone told the Mirror: “I’m devastated. It’s so sad. Ricky was a friend.
“He’d been doing so well. He was talking about getting ready for his big fight and was all excited… it’s very shocking.
“He was really sweet. Such a good guy. My last memory of him is him looking out at me on the ice during Torvill and Deane’s show, with his girls and his eyes were just lit up, he was so excited to watch us, as were his girls. His kids were everything to him.”
Olympian Greg Rutherford who starred on the reality show on 2024 posted a photo of the two sportsmen together.
“Utterly heart breaking news. I was so star struck when I met Ricky for the first time and asked for this photo.
“I told him how big a fan I was and through the entire chat he couldn’t have been kinder and more engaged.
“Getting to know him the little bit I did that kindness always shined through.
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
Ricky Hatton tasted defeat just three times in an illustrious 46 fight career that saw him earn an estimated £37million in prize money. Here are some of his most memorable victories:
Tommy Peacock by TKO – In his 11th fight as a professional Ricky won his first title – the vacant Central Area light-welterweight belt – at Oldham Sports Centre
Jon Thaxton on points – Ricky picked up national honours when he defeated Thaxton for the vacant British light-welterweight strap at Wembley Conference Centre in 2000
Kostya Tsyzu retired – In front of a rapturous home crowd inside Manchester’s MEN Arena, Ricky became a world champion for the first time. He won the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles against the former undisputed champ Tsyzu
Luis Collazo unanimous decision – Just three fights later Ricky added to his title collection, claiming the WBA light-welterweight title stateside by beating tough Collazo over 12 rounds
Paulie Malignaggi TKO – Ricky’s final boxing victory came against loud-mouthed American-Italian fighter Malignaggi in Las Vegas. The Hitman let his fists do the talking and stopped his foe in the 11th round. He earned a cool $2.5million for his night’s work.
Six months later Ricky would taste defeat for a second time, the first being against Floyd Mayweather in 2007, against Phillippino superstar Manny Pacquiao. He suffered a brutal second round knockout and was taken to hospital for a precautionary brain scan
“We had a couple of chats about mental health and the battles he’d faced and I told him some things that I hadn’t told anyone else about my own battles.
“He had some amazing words of support and I will always be thankful for that.
“A great human first and one of the greatest boxers we’ve seen. He’s going to be so missed. Love to his family.”
Boxer Tommy Fury wrote alongside a photo of the pair: “Heartbroken doesn’t even come close.
“I turned pro with you by my side Ricky and you’ll always be a massive part of my journey in boxing and in life.
“I am so shocked and gutted. Rest in peace champ.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan paid tribute to the star and wrote: “RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.”
Comedian Paddy McGuinness shared a throwback snap with Ricky, Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes from back in 2010’s Soccer Aid.
He wrote: “World Champion. People’s Champion. I’ve had some great times with Ricky over the years.
“From being out in Vegas to the streets of Manchester, he always had time for everyone.
“Deepest condolences to Ray, Carol, Campbell, Millie, Fearne and all his family. Rest In Greatness champ.”
Fellow DOI star Amber Davies wrote on Instagram: “Lovely Ricky, thinking of all his loved ones. One of the sweetest during our time together on Dancing On Ice. RIP.”
Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse penned: “My heart goes out to @rickyhitmanhatton. Kindest heart and sweetest man, was like a father to many celebs on DOI #RIP.”
The sad news comes after the star had just announced a return to the ring, with a fight planned in December.
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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.
“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Ricky Hatton’s Dancing On Ice co-stars pay tribute to boxer after tragic death at 46Credit: Instagram
The boxing legend had announced a comeback bout for December this year
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